I found a linnet's nest with three eggs in it. Two were typical of a linnet, but one was off-brown and clearly that of a cuckoo. The eggs were stone cold and clearly deserted. Is there a higher incidence of desertion where a cuckoo has laid an egg?Denis Liston, Bray,Co Wicklow
The incidence of desertion of nests containing cuckoo eggs is low in any event, but it has been recorded in the literature. Desertion could occur for other reasons.
I recently noticed a wasps' nest in a hole in the ground at the edge of the path in my small wood. Two days later, the hole was considerably enlarged and the grass around it was flattened for quite a large area.Belinda Jacob, Sallins, Co Kildare
It was most likely raided by a badger.
An insect that looks like a wasp is living in the wooden railway sleepers in my garden. I saw it often carrying a dead fly or other insect into the wood. Its black and pale yellow colouring is very striking and its flat head is quite distinct from its body.Brian Griffin, Knocklyon, Dublin 16
It is one of the solitary, digger wasps which build their nests in decaying wood.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address
